Product Description

Graphic designer Natalie Pearce faces the most difficult Christmas of her life. For almost a year, her mother has lain in a nursing home, the victim of a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, she's allowed the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she loves-most of all her husband Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she's one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom.

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit's end. Nothing he's done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa's adolescent rebellion isn't helping matters. As Daniel's hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear.

Product Information

Publisher's Description

Graphic designer Natalie Pearce faces the most difficult Christmas of her life. For almost a year, her mother has lain in a nursing home, the victim of a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, shes allowed the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she lovesmost of all her husband Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and shes one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wits end. Nothing hes done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissas adolescent rebellion isnt helping matters. As Daniels hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear

Author Bio

Myra Johnson is an award-winning author. She and her husband of 42 years proudly claim two beautiful daughters, two fine sons-in-law, precious grandchildren, and a pair of playful pooches. They live in Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more about Myra and her books at MyraJohnson.com.

Author Bio

Myra Johnsons roots go deep into Texas soil, but shes proud to be a new Oklahoman. Empty-nesters now, she and her husband share their home with two lovable dogs and a snobby parakeet. Myras writing has garnered ACFW and RWA awards including the coveted Golden Heart. She is thrilled about the release of her debut novel, One Imperfect Christmas.

This book had a very good story line. I also think the Author writes well.

My problem with the book was repetition. It felt as though the author had to write a certain number of pages. I could actually skip 4or 5 pages and miss nothing important. Overall the lesson on life and forgiveness was good.

Graphic designer, Natalie Pearce, has problems with balancing her work, marriage, rebellious daughter and her own mother. When her mother suffers a stroke, Natalie must also deal with the "if only" emotions as well as the guilt and anger which require seeking God's guidance. Natalie must now navigate through unforeseen circumstances_everything considered, definitely not the most ideal/ perfect Christmas that was hoped for_

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:

"One Imperfect Christmas" was an interesting read as it could be relevant to many lives. Definitely not a light Christmas story, this book was more realistic in looking at Christmas through the lenses of people requiring God's grace in many situations. Though enjoyable, this book did tend to slow a bit in certain spots; however, the message was good (God has a plan even with the hard and difficult times in life). Living with regrets is never easy but the author, Myra Johnson, did a nice job with it. Well written for a debut novel; I look to reading more of her works.

RATING:

3 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of One Imperfect Christmas from Abingdon Press for my honest review*

This was one really awesome Christmas read! When Natalie Pearce chose not to go help her mom take down her Christmas decorations, she never dreamed what the year ahead held for she and her family. When her mom suffered a stroke that left her helpless, Natalie blamed herself for her mom's condition. A string of events lead to Natalie leaving her husband and daughter, accepting a job that would require most of her time, and leaving her with strained relationships that may not be fixable.

Most of the time we like to think that all is perfect at Christmas time, but it is usually not. Life situations just doesn't look at our calendar first before they happen. It was heartbreaking, yet refreshing to read One Imperfect Christmas because it was sad to see Natalie and her family going through what they had to endure with her mom, yet it was comforting to know that everyone has difficult situations during the Christmas Season, some not as bad as others, but we all have our heartaches. But I really like how Myra Johnson weaves everything together, good and bad, and brings an ending to the story that will give you peace, and make you smile. Not an ending that the Pearce family wanted, but one that gave them hope. This is an amazing debut novel for Ms. Johnson, and yes it was written a few years ago, but the message is still the same. I can't believe I haven't read it before this year. I really want to encourage you to pick up a copy of One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson for a few hours for delightful entertainment. You will be glad you did!

How could the story of a mother's stroke, a daughter's emotional abandonment of her own child,

a loving marriage ship-wrecking on the rocks, and one very wise young girl who sees what needs to be done, how could that be a Christmas story, you ask?

Well, think about what Christmas is all about. Jesus Christ, Son of God, entering this broken world and putting on a body of our fallen flesh, living among us, identifying with us and saving us.

It was in the darkness, sadness, lostness that we all live with that the Light was born.

And it's the same in this story. One imperfect Christmas is not a fluffy holiday comedy, and it is not a book of heavy despair either.

One Imperfect Christmas is a wonderfully real, very human, and dearly beautiful tale.

Reading this was an experience.

It made me sad, it made me get a little misty-eyed, it made me irked at some of the characters choices, and it made me cheer for some of the character's decisions.

I like the way Myra wrote this story, going back and forth between Natalie, her husband Daniel, and their daughter Lissa as their world fell apart.

Blaming herself for not being there the day her mother had a stroke while she was trying to pack away Christmas decorations, Natalie falls into an emotional and psychological whirlpool that sucks her aways from everyone she loves and threatens to drown her.

Daniel doesn't know how to reach his wife. Her focus is on researching strokes and working, not helping Lissa adjust to the new reality of Grandma being in a nursing home.

And Daniel feels like nothing in his power to help her is good enough.

After months with no change, he gives Natalie a shocking ultimatum: be fully present here or leave.

And his wife leaves.

In the center of it all is Lissa, a girl who might just hold the key to some of Grandma's healing and whose knows that her mother and father have a chance for restoration if only they'd try!

How much does a promise mean?

What do you do when you just want out of a situation where you can't see hope?

How much will you risk for the people you know you love?

That is the story of One Imperfect Christmas, one of my favorites of 2013!

One Imperfect Christmas is a unique Christmas story that realistically portrays the struggles and imperfections of life. Natalie Pearce grapples with the guilt she feels over the stroke her mother suffered. Unable to let go of this burden, Natalie's relationship with her family begins to suffer.

Christmas has always been a time of great celebration for Natalie and her family. Each year, they gather together to enjoy several special traditions. With her mother in the nursing home and her own family falling apart, Natalie soon realizes that this Christmas may not be perfect after all. Can an imperfect Christmas bring this family back together again?

Myra Johnson has penned a Christmas story full of rich layers that will stir your emotions. While I didn't always agree with Natalie's choices, she was a very believable character. One Perfect Christmas illustrates the importance of faith, family and forgiveness. Most importantly, it is a reminder that we must always rely on God and cling to hope and faith in the face of adversity!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Abingdon Press. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.